Pocket Chainsaw

Introduction: Pocket Chainsaw

The chainsaw...awesome for cutting down trees, taking out brush super duper quick, and fighting off zombies. The only thing is a chainsaw is big...and rather heavy. Definitely not pocket sized. So I recently stumbled upon some replacement chainsaw blades, and I hacked em to make me my own pocket zombie defense system... well don't know how well it'd stand up to zombies, but I do know it's handy for cutting up firewood, or clearing small trees, and after your all done just carry it in your pocket. Hope you enjoy!

Step 2: Cut Through the Chainsaw Blade

First thing you'll have to do is cut through the blade with the metal cutter. This can be kind of tricky since each joint of the blade pivots. You'll definitely want to wear safety glasses for this part. Once your through the blade move on to the next step.

Step 4: Glue the Handles On

Dip the hose handles in a bowl of water, and shake off the excess water. Gorilla glue sets on damp surfaces which is why you dampen the hose. Put some Gorilla Glue on the chain and some in the hose, then slip the hose over the chain. Use duct tape to hold the hose to the chain and cover the handles to get nicer looking handles. I went with camo duct tape...gives it a nice manly flavor. After the glue dries go try it out, then stuff it in your pocket for the next camping trip. Enjoy!

Comments

UPDATE: The "open D rings" I used were actually "hog rings" as someone called them (open link, trapezoid shaped) and I put them to the test with some heavy cutting and sure enough, they held! Pic later!

UPDATE: Don't use keychain rings. They can't handle the pulling stress that I put on the chain. Instead, I found these open D-rings and pinched them shut with the curve on the chain part. The pinched side I retied the cord using a slipknot so it would tighten the more I use it and not slip out. Will post pics as soon as I get it perfected!

Yeah, when I read the original article on how to make it, I didn't like the glue on handles (no disrespect to the original author, just a preference), so I went with the more ergonomic wooden grip handles instead and it works for me like a dream! My chain is a little on the bulky side (16" chainbar length, but I can stand and work with it without hunching over and potentially hurt my back in the process. But being able to quietly cut a log without having to prep my chainsaw just for a couple seconds of cutting is pretty nice!

Hello! This is my first post here on Instructables.com and I would like to say that I made my own version of this pocket chainsaw as well (pictures to later follow!).

However, my design was slightly different with instead of using the garden hose pieces on the ends glued to the chain, I took two keychain rings and put them through the holes as similar to below, but took 2 pieces of broomstick handle and 4" long and drilled two holes in them near center and threaded some cord through that I got at Harbor Freight (on a freebie coupon!) and then back through the rings on the chainsaw chain using a "lark's head" knot. So with the handles set perpendicular to the chain, you get a better grip and more pull to your cutting stroke.

Here's what I was talking about. Took me about 10 minutes to get the pins out and attach the rings. Make sure to get thicker gauged rings so you have a nice strong connection. The holes in the links where the pins go are actually larger than I was expecting. They're bigger even than regular bike chain pins. The rings I used were 1-1/2" and fit two fingers nicely. Once I get where I'm going (the campsite) it should be no problem finding two sticks to make more comfortable handles if I choose to go that route. The only downside of this method that I see is that the rings sit perpendicular to the chain (which you want when in use) but if you we're to put something heavy on the top of the ring it could torque the chain and break or bend it. Smaller rings might be more useful if that turns out to be a problem. Or you could take the rings off when you're not using the chainsaw.

I just got a chainsaw chain to try this and I'm going to attempt this awesome ible with a few modifications. The "official" pocket chainsaw actually just has little metal loops on the ends. If you're in a rush, you can loop them around your fingers... Orrrr if you have a minute, you can just find two stick, chop them down to about 6" and stick them in the loops. Seems like it would make the system a little lighter, and if you find strong enough metal wire, you don't even need glue. You can just loop the wire through the holes left from the missing chain pins (I think). You could also make a few loops out of paracord and attach them to the metal rings. So you have a comfortable option if you don't have sticks the right size for handles.

I got an Oregon chainsaw blade, and then realized that (duh) it's made to cut traveling one direction. Does this seem to effect anything? Are there any chainsaw blades out there that would be better than others for this?

I live on a Greek island, Skopelos. Late Autumn, I start my annual chore of cutting/chopping logs for our wood-burners. This seems a great idea for fiddly bits rather than using my large, heavy chain-saw. Will give it a try this year.

Hi.. Good information about the pocket chainsaw. It can be easily carried inside your pocket as it is very much light-weight and portable. There is also a USB powered chainsaw (iSaw) available in the global market which can be used for official purposes.

Best yet use the tools already in your shop that will do the job. :) Unless one plans to work on chain saw chains a lot a tool for such chain isn't a good investment, if the ubiquitous bench grinder can get the job done.

i agree...its how the military wire saws are they have a metal grip made out of a ring...the design is very simple but effective although i doubt its comfortable after long periods of use i have seen some with loops of nylon strapping and ones with mini coat hangers for the handles...these could be attached to the ring of the wire saw

easier method- most places that sharpen chainsaw blades also have rolls of the stuff for making them in the shop, you should be able to buy any length you want and just ask them to leave it open so you don't have to cut it.

Thanks for giving me a fantastic use for two broken chainsaw blades I have kicking around. Keeping a chainsaw running is a pain but after seeing this I realized 60% of the things I use it for would be better accomplished with this device. Well done sir.

there is a link on the chain that has a cir clip that holds a pair of pins through a link in just about every one of the hundreds of chain saw chains I have ever used, just remove it after a careful search for it.

when i made my chainsaw i used the small hose clamps on the ends of the garden hose and tightened as tight as possible and then wrapped the base of the handles and the clamps in gorilla tape, and it only took me 10 min to make and they work great. i must say i love you simplistic design, but i first saw this concept on a infomercial, but the only difference on the commercials pocket chainsaw was it had the handles attached perpendicular to the chain. but once again i love your simplistic design and straightforward guide, you did a good job and i will be using my pocket chainsaw on my upcoming camping trip!

i like the idea. i don't know much about chain saws, but can you use this with a back and forth sawing motion? i thought chain saws, the chain goes in one direction. or will it only cut on one side of the back and forth? thanks for your help, i want to saw some high branches too, like dabooge

typically a chainsaw has only one side of each of the teeth sharpened for cutting since they alway spin the same direction. As this saw will be going back and forth, did you sharpen the other side of the teeth to cut both ways? Or have you felt the need to?